File No. 763.72112/9871

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain ( Page)

[Telegram]

1121. For Sheldon [from War Trade Board]:

No. 1133. Frothingham. Embassy’s 1310, August 23, 11 a.m., your 1298.1 Advantage conference plan obvious. Unified policy reference granting enemy trade licenses absolutely necessary and only possible under this plan. Unified lists accomplish nothing without complementary unified action in the matter licenses. Otherwise same undesirable results follow inconsistent granting licenses as followed inconsistent lists. Under plan mere exchange licenses action taken prior to possibility comment and recommendation by other governments. Cases continually arising of inconsistent policy resulting in complete loss effect enemy trade restrictions. War Trade Board receives from agents northern neutral countries continually complaints detrimental results to United States from lax British policy reference persons on confidential list and rigid United States policy. Similarly in South America United States has licensed in past certain transactions where such action nullified policy British and French. Had United States been informed such policy existed, licenses would not have been granted. For maximum efficiency absolute cooperation needed. This only obtainable through discussion prior granting license. Mere exchange after granting futile. Must impress upon you War Trade Board’s conviction necessity license conference. At suggestion British Government, negotiations for complete agreement being carried on in Washington with representatives British, French, and Italian Governments here. Will keep you advised action taken. Meanwhile very important follow to letter instructions Department’s 951, August 24, 5 p.m., our 1100.2 [Page 1052] Copy letter from War Trade Board to British representative in Washington insisting necessity cooperation reference enemy trade licenses in cases persons on confidential list as well as published list being sent you by dispatch. Letter dispatched by British representative to London office with recommendation plan be fully adopted. You will assist by strongly urging to British authorities points taken in that letter.

Lansing
  1. Ante, p. 1037.
  2. Ante, p. 1038.